Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Bright and Shiny (In Three Parts)

That's what a new year should be- bright and shiny, right?

Part One: If I could snap my fingers my house would be deep-cleaned and organized.  The kids' rooms would have all the gifts in just the right spots in just the right containers and put away when they're done being played with.  All the Christmas decorations would be packed neatly in boxes labeled with their contents.  The fridge would be cleaned (inside and out), cabinets wiped out, school supplies organized, cluttered piles dealt with and surfaces vacuumed and dusted.

Can your fingers do that?  Mine can't.  Therefore, to achieve all this before school starts back up blood, sweat and tears will be required, but it's my goal anyway.  The kids are distracted by gifts and the snow outside, so it may actually be feasible.

Then again, the scratchy throats we have could be the start of the bug that was knocking out extended family while we were still with them.  If that's the case, forget Part One completely.

Part Two: I have goals for the new year.  I don't like calling them resolutions.  I just want to start the year out right and hope that I can develop habits that will last.  Here are a few:

1) Go to bed at a reasonable hour- like 11:00 pm.  I'm a night owl and it's been getting me into trouble- I'm tired during the day (thank goodness for coffee) and I tend to get hungry late at night when I shouldn't be eating.

2) With our weekday evenings free of commitments the rest of the winter, I hope to get up on that blasted treadmill three evenings a week right after supper and walk, walk, walk- hopefully shedding those pounds I gain every fall when I go from being active in the summer to sitting at a table teaching in the fall.

3) I want to allow space for God to show me what's next.  My calendar is open and so is my heart.  I want to be ready for whatever might be down the road, good or bad (I know that may sound morbid).  I want to allow for quiet times for listening, study and prayer.  I don't want to miss any of His plans.  They're so much better than mine.

Part Three: Over the break, I caught two errors in my cookbook.  I'm baffled by it because both myself and my editor were over it again and again and again before deeming it ready to sell.  If you've already purchased one, please note these two errors and make the corrections.  I am so, so, very, very sorry about this.  I know some of you purchased them as gifts for others.  If this was you, please forward the recipients this information please.

1) On page 128 (Peanut Blossoms), I failed to tell you to add the dry ingredients to the wet.  So, toward the end of the first paragraph of method, just before the sentence "Set the cookie dough aside", please add this sentence, "Slowly add the dry ingredients and blend well."

2) On page 122 (Chewy Chocolate Cookies), it should read "8 tbsp. (1 stick) butter", not "8 ounces (1 stick) butter".

While this is not bright and shiny, setting things right is (even though I'm sick about it).  By the way, any future orders will have a little note inside from me noting these corrections until the next printing when the errors will be corrected.

On that note!  I have a gift for you!

As an apology and in honor of the New Year of 2013, I will be randomly choosing three of you lovely readers to receive a copy of my cookbook (hopefully you still want one!).  To enter, leave me a comment telling me what new thing you plan to do/change in the new year. Please leave your first name or your initials in your comment so I can identify you if you win.  Only one entry per household, please.  I'll announce the winners on Friday afternoon!

*This giveaway is closed.  Go here to see who won.*

Happy New Year, friends.  May it be bright and shiny in the way you need it to be!

Love,
Jane


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127 comments:

  1. Your cookbook looks wonderful! I would love to win a copy. The thing I would like to change in the new year: to use my time more wisely.

    Thanks for the generous giveaway!

    Donna

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  2. Oh, I would LOVE a copy of your cookbook! My husband and I cook quite a few of your recipes, and they are so so so very tasty!

    My name is Ginny.

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  3. How lovely of you. I would love to win a copy, but I will be purchasing one within the next few weeks if I do not. My 2013 goals are in writing and charted -- how about that? That is not my normal, so I'm starting off well. I am a writer and have been the single most unproductive writer ever these past couple of years. I have been recovering from a serious illness and have let the non-productivity go on toooooo long. SO, it's up and at'em in 2013. So many minutes of writing every day. So many minutes of walking every day. And away we go!!!
    P.S. I do sincerely love your blog. :)

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  4. Hmm... try more new recipes?
    Happy new year!

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  5. One of my goals for this year is to recognize the moments when I need to stop pursuing my 'list' of things to do, stop, and SAVOR that moment! I miss too much of what a friend refers to as 'life-candy' because I tend to focus on the practical, the necessary, and being productive.

    I would love to win one of your cookbooks--errors and all! Happy New Year and the best of God's blessings to you!

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  6. You are on the right track, going to bed late, late does get you into trouble. Walking, cutting down on my food intake and clean the house more. God Bless.

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  7. We have a big goal of cooking more with "real" ingredients this year. I'd love a chance at your coookbook! Have a blessed New Year.

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  8. My change for the New Year is to get up earlier to spend more time with God. I have rushed or even skipped some days my quiet time with him. To be more frugal and to not be afraid to get rid of things I "may" use some day. Have a blessed New Year! Peggy

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  9. My goals for this year is to continue to work at living a healthy lifestyle and declutter. We live in a fairly large home and things collect fast. My relationship with God first, husband second, family third and the rest as God leads me. Happy New Year.
    Sherri from Iowa

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  10. What a lovely giveaway. I have not yet gotten a copy, and would be thrilled to win one. My initials are CMH.

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  11. This year I want to plan meals, snacks, and baking better so that I can decrease my grocery store trips.

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  12. My resoultion? Finish what I start and model that behavior for the kiddos! ~ Sara

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  13. I would also love to win a copy of your cookbook :) In the new year I need to exercise more, spend my time more wisely, declutter and organize! Thanks for the chance to win... Happy New Year. Misty

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  14. We recently moved (again) with the AF. I have felt discontent and long to settle. I want to 'bloom where I'm planted' and open myself up to what God has in store for my family here...where we are...even if it isn't where I think I want to be. :) L.F.

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  15. Our big change already started as of today - I'm now a Stay at Home Mom! Everything worked out with a lay off at work and I was able to stay home with my babies. Our dream has finally come true. My twins are not yet 4 but I hope to homeschool and make up for the first three years where they didn't get my full attention. We could not be more thrilled. I'd love the cookbook because I will now have time to expand my garden and start canning and cooking more!
    Becky Williams

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  16. Hmm what I would like to improve-change this year. Read more bible stories to my kids. Organize and label my craft room. I would love to win this cookbook, your recipes are fantastic and used many this year as I started canning way way more thanks to YOU! keep up the wonderful blog.

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  17. (Leigh S.) I would love to win a copy of your beautiful cookbook! I have the same goal - to go to bed at a reasonable hour and wake up before my kids in the morning. Also, to be a kinder mother, which is probably related to the first goal :).

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  18. My goal for this year is to eliminate our credit card & student loan debt.... over $40k I would like gone. I already started a part-time job (in addition to my full-time job) to help with this....

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  19. My new year's resolution is to read through the Bible. I've read portions of scripture, but not the entire Word.

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  20. For this year I want to work on more deep cleaning and organization. My closets are horrible : )Happy New Year from CQ at Hickery Holler Farm.

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  21. I love this post. And I can tell you, as an editor, that our eye fills in what's supposed to be there so it's very very hard to have a perfect book :) I don't like looking at the books I've edited after they're published.

    So. Yes, I would love a cookbook!

    My resolution so far is to list God's mercies and things I'm grateful for in a gratitude journal pretty often. I blogged on that today (thanks for stopping by, J).

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  22. Would love to win a cookbook. Thanks!

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  23. Planning to learn some new skills this year like pressure canning, dehydrating, smoking, and banjo playing!

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  24. I'm going to ask God every morning what He has for my day! And then do it! Bless you!

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  25. First of all...I pray the scratchy throats go away and you can dig right into your goals! Secondly, I plan to change our financial situation. It's been a struggle for too long...time to get things on track. And personally, I will be making a LOT of changes...too many to write here. It's time...

    Love to you Jane...you are a blessing to me. xoxo

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  26. My goal for this year is to work more diligently in my writing and teaching ministries. I want to be a better listener, knowing that I learn more with my mouth shut! And, yes, I would love a cookbook.

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  27. On the comment just submitted about writing and teaching and listening: I am MAK

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  28. My goals for the new year include: learning to plant and harvest a square foot garden, learning to can, and re-reading the bible from beginning to end (My husband just gave me a large print for Christmas.)

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  29. I do our church bulletins. No matter how hard I try, every once in a while something slips through because what I read and what is actually there are NOT the same. One Sunday I added scripture (a reference that doesn't exist). I was so horrified! I asked one of our older members (a retired pastor) if he noticed anything wrong in the bulletin. That evening I asked if he found the problem. He hadn't. I felt much better. I know God knows I wasn't trying to add to the Bible.

    I, too, am a night owl. Life would be perfect if I could go to bed at 2 AM and get up at 9 AM. Alas, it is not to be. My goal this year is to exercise more. I bought a horse, so hope she will help! :)

    Kelley

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  30. We are hoping to start a microflock, since our city just legalized hens. Also, I want to be better about meal planning.

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  31. I surely enjoy your blog and your optimism! I have lots of goals for the new year, but as usual, I probably will forget what they are by next week :) seriously, keeping my family healthy and happy is and has always been my goal. Cleaning and cooking can wait. Those children grow up so quickly, you won't believe it. Congratulations on your cookbook. Mistakes or no, I'd love to win a copy, who wouldn't? Happy New Year! Debbie from Appomattox, Va

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  32. Our goal for this year would be to finish painting the house and garden shed. Add a deck, and expand the garden. I would love to win a copy of your cookbook and see all your wonderful recipes, especially the preserving section.
    cjbrick@ymail.com

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  33. Oh I would love a cookbook! We loved your Christmas favorites and made three of them! The caramel popcorn, well lets just say I ate way too much of it! So one of my goals for the new year is to get back running. I had baby number 5 in May and I need to get back running again!

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  34. What a great giveaway....I would love one of your cookbooks....one thing I hope to do is completely clean closets, attic, sheds, etc. Then paint all out buildings. Blessings to you from Kansas!

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  35. I plan on feeding my family healthier meals this year and trying to do some meal planning. Would love a cookbook!
    A.M.N.

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  36. How sweet of you! The cookbook looks fabulous:) I have several writing projects that I would like to finish. Thanks! Terri

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  37. Your cookbook is on my wishlist so fingers crossed! :) I am cutting out sugar in my diet & watching my carbs. Mainly to eat healthier & lose those baby pounds! Thanks so much for the chance!!

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  38. I need to work on having more patience and like you said, being ready to listen to what God has in store for me :)

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  39. My main goal is to study God's word daily, or nearly so and to include my children.

    I'd love to try recipes from your cookbook too!

    Thanks so much for the opportunity.

    Tracy

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  40. I want to keep horizontal surfaces in my home clear from clutter. This will be an ongoing goal, I'm sure.

    I'd love to win your cookbook! :)

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  41. I need to work on having more patience and grace. I also need to open my ears and hear what God has in store for me this year :)

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  42. My resolution is to moment by moment see His hand at work in ny life!
    And to enjoy a closer walk with Jesus in 2013!

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  43. It's so funny/odd how much my list for the New Year looks like yours! I keep staying up later and later every night. It seems like there just aren't enough hours in the day. I think I really need to try to make better use of those hours, including making time to get some exercise at least 3 days a week, and spending a little more time in contemplation of God's Word. It makes such a difference! I would love to win a copy of your cookbook to make better use of the yield from our expanding garden. Canning really intimidates me! :-)

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  44. Your cookbook looks great!!! I would love to win a copy!!!

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  45. I am trying to increase my caloric intake of real food. I am have been nursing and/or pregnant for the last decade and my nutriet stores are very depleted. My weight is down and so is my energy. Thanks, Candace I.

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  46. Oh! I'd love a copy!!!
    2012 brought changes into our kitchen, which flowed over into our mental well-being! :)
    2013 will bring more health education and healthy changes... and more self-sustained eating :D

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  47. Well, baby #3 is due in 10 weeks...so learning to juggle chickens, our dog, getting the garden set up for spring, and entertaining my 3yo and 2yo while nursing around the clock will be my new thing! Lol. This is an awesome giveaway!

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  48. I would love a copy. For the new year, we're cleaning up our diet. ~Jill

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  49. Spending less time on the internet and more time in the real world learing new "old" skills.

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  50. Your cookbook looks lovely and inspirational! The kitchen is my favorite room in our home - I want to be able to bless others through cooking and baking this year (so improving that would be one goal!) and another thing that I'm going to work on is cultivating a heart of thankfulness, and consistently counting the joy and blessings in a thankfulness journal.

    Blessings to you this coming year,
    Jenna

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  51. Tammy McChesney
    My goal to to change my perspective of life. Stop worrying about the past and its mistakes and just decide what I can do right and good today.

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  52. Love your blog-been following for awhile; I enjoy reading your posts & it would be a delight to win your cookbook. For this year, I plan to be more diligent in honoring God with my finances. Traci D.

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  53. Hi, Jane! I've just started reading your notes & am being encouraged by them. I love being part of the family of God. . . Thanks for sharing your new goals. I too am going to try to go to bed near the reasonable hour of 11:00. I love staying up late to have time to myself but I think my time with God in the morning would be sweeter if I wasn't trying to squeeze in Bible reading & prayer while "hitting the floor running" or dragging from being tired. HE deserves better! I am also trying to be more intentional about getting to know people at church. I smile & wave at many but am finding it hard to really get to know people.

    I would love to have a copy of your book, so please include me in your drawing. Thank you!

    Best wishes for a new year full of God's richest blessings. -- Karen W.

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  54. Jane,

    Wow, thanks for the corrections. I did get one for my daughter's birthday (Dec. 28th). Have to admit I scanned it before wrapping, green with envy. LOL!

    My husband and I will be leaving tomorrow for Uganda for a month of ministry there. We teach Pastors, church leaders and their wives (my part) about how to start discipleship ministries in their churches. Really big need. Anyway, when we return we have committed to making the gym 3 days a week, hopefully, like you shedding a few pounds from the holiday madness. Being in Africa for 30 days will probably help get that started. : )

    Also I am hoping to get back into some scripture memory work. My husband is so disciplined about it, but I am all over the map. Hoping to review every verse I ever memorized and then start up again with new ones. I have dozens I would like to have in my heart.

    Thanks for the encouragement of your blog. I enjoy it. We have one for our ministry, if you would like to read it, you can go to: in2africa.wordpress.com.
    Blessings,
    Janie

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  55. I would love to win a copy of your cookbook! I've enjoyed trying some of your recipes since I found your blog earlier this year. My goals for this year mostly have to do with getting a handle on clutter. And I want to grow more in the garden this year. Last year was my first time to grow anything. This year, I hope to grow more. My name is Catherine

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  56. My goals include trying to establish some sort of a schedule to our days, including scheduled school time for my 6 year old and maybe for my 4 year old. I've found it difficult when my husband works swing shift (one week day shift, one week nights, one week afternoons, and then start all over again). Thanks for the giveaway!

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  57. I'd love to win a copy of your beautiful book. My goal is to practice hospitality more consistently. Happy New Year!

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  58. marian B. I would love a copy of you cook book. what i am changing this new year, is to be the keeper of my home.and to use my God given gifts to shows God's love to all I come in contact with.

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  59. This year I am going to spend less time on the computer. I spend all my time finding wonderful recipes and great things to do and try, but I never do or try any of them because I'm always on the computer!

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  60. Where to start...In 2013 we hope to~~~ finialize the adoption of our foster children, start to home school, add an orchard to our farm, become even more self-substaining while becoming more reliant on Our God and Savior...
    and of course if I can get in better shape and lose weight that would be awesome too!! Have a great day...Robin :)

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  61. My sister gave me a copy of your cookbook for my birthday in November. I love it! I have recorded the two corrections and will continue to enjoy your cookbook! Happy New Year! :)

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  62. I would also love to win a copy of your book :) One of my goals is to USE more of what we grow. I had some things that did very well, like chard. I also planted too much. The chickens also enjoyed the bounty, but I felt bad when I had to start composting some of it.
    I am also going to spend less time on the computer!
    kathy w. (california)

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  63. I am excited to begin this new year as a SAHM, (stepping out in faith and giving up my part-time job)and praying and anticipating a call for foster/adopt placement #2. God is so good! :) - Cindy

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  64. Goal number one is a larger orchard...Other than that, to be healthier, wealthier and wiser over the next year.
    Kim R (Adalaide, California)

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  65. This year we plan to garden better and can more food. :) Food, cook book....could be a winning combo! Mindie D (Michigan)

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  66. i plan to lose weight and to become closer to God
    -Karen

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  67. I'm planning to be more intentional with my children. Spending time just playing with them.

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  68. This year I plan to spend more time growing my own food, canning that food and cook more healthier meals for my family. - justine

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  69. This year I plan to be more deliberate in how I spend my time. And I want to take more time to spend with my family who live hours away.

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  70. I too hope to listen and hear from God.

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  71. Would love a chance to win your cookbook. My plans sound similar to yours... get organized, clean out the clutter and spend more deliberate time with my 3 kids.

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  72. This next year I want to organize family photos, memorabilia and recipes in some kind of order rather than in boxes stored in closets. I would love a copy of your cookbook!
    Thanks
    Jacqui

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  73. To think of others more than myself, to spend more time with God listening, to live with less so we can give more. Thanks for the blog--it has inspired me. Phoebe

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  74. This may not sound lofty but iI have some "little" habits that need changing and in so doing would greatly improve the quality of life at our house. The one I'm planning on working on is getting my SaturdAy work done in the morning rather than dragging it into late Saturday night. As a homeschooling Mom an Unscheduled Saturday sounds like bliss but I and my family pay for it when we're trying to wrap things up Saturday night in preparation for church on Sunday. I'd be delighted to win a cookbook! lindastoltzfus at gmail dot com

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  75. J--

    Reading your blog will continue to be part of the new year for me. You are such an encourager!

    One new thing for me will be drinking more water. I currently consume way too much caffeine...coffee, tea, soda pop. After the initial headaches and low energy, I expect this will be a change for the good in so many ways (e.g. thirst quenched for real, balanced budget, improvements in health and memory.)

    Thank you for the generous giveaway. I bought a copy of your cookbook when it first came out, but I'd love to pass one along to my daughter. She recently graduated from college and has her own place now.)

    Happy new your to you and all your readers,
    Anne

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  76. Jane,

    I hope to be one of the lucky ones, a new cookbook to start a new year is a wonderful combination! Thanks so much for your heart to share and minister to us all!
    I posted today at my new blog about a shiny new year too - love the fresh start we get with the turn of the calendar! ;-)
    Blessings for a Heathly & Jesus Filled 2013!

    http://testimonyprogress.blogspot.com/

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  77. I have 3 major goals for 2013 - I am going to try and be more organized around the house, become more active, and to perform frequent random acts of kindness for others.

    I would love to have one of your cookbooks. I have enjoyed reading your work. - Peggy Lannon

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  78. Thank you for the generous give away! Goals for the year include more time in the Word, and more fellowship with fellow believers.

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  79. I've just loved reading your blogposts and trying your recipes and would love to be lucky enough to get one of your books.

    As for 2013, I'd like to spend more time with my 82 year old father, finish our family tree, lose some weight and continue to expand my canning horizons!

    Have a wonderful year to both you and your family! oxox pm

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  80. I'd like to be in the Word more, be more disciplined about reading God's word.
    carol B

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  81. I would LOVE to have a copy of your cookbook. We raise a large garden, and I often consult your site to find a recipe for a certain food. Your recipes taste great and look wonderful!!! You have some one-of-a-kind recipes, such as how to use stevia and how to make mint, stevia tea.
    thanks, susan

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  82. The goal at the top of my list for 2013 is to treat my body better and in turn I'll eat healthier, move more stealthily :), have a better attitude & self-esteem and be more patient with my kids and husband! Just by doing one thing--I can do so much more! Thank you for your blog! Love reading it. Go Mennonites!

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  83. I would love to win a copy of your book since meal planning is one of the things I am working on this year. ~ Becky S.

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  84. Ooohh....a giveaway?? How FUN! Happy New Year to you my friend. May the LORD bless you all in 2013. :)

    Now...to answer your question about change...here goes. The list is very long, but, one thing I would love to change is to live in the moment more and to really be all there for my children and hubby...I guess that was two things...they go together though. Only by God's Grace. How I need HIM!!

    Love to you!
    Camille

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  85. I loved your goals for the day--especially the cleaning ones! I spent most of the day in our basement battling serious junk and dust! Not done yet.
    My goal that I really need to achieve is to just clean this place up! I think I can be a better mom with more organization here, less stress on my part since it looks better and I can find stuff, if I get the cleaning done I can work harder on meals, focusing on school work, etc. Our home is NOT a McMansion, so being orderly really helps out!
    I would love to win your cookbook--need some new ideas here!

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  86. followed a post from Homestead Revival to your site ... love what i have looked at and joined you as a follower ... going to try to become less cluttered and closer to a simple life style ... laura

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  87. My goal this year is to be a fun, supportive and strong parent to my children as well as a fun, supportive and strong wife to my husband. Familt is everything!

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  88. I'm going to hug my kids and husband more. 5 hugs to survive, 10+ to thrive. I've been falling short and I've got a lot of hugging to do. :) Kerri S.

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  89. I have been longing for your book ever since it's debute! My New Year has called me to be more purposeful in my daily life. More available to those around me. With four children, it's easy to get busy in the daily grind of it all. Thank you for the opportunity to win! Erin T.

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  90. I just found your blog, and am now following. I'm in a slump with cooking lately, and one of my goals would be to plan meals out better, so that when I get home from work I know what's for supper! Sounds like I need to get your cookbook! I, too, am a Christian (Mennonite), a teacher (not home-school, though), and enjoy blogging about sewing. Stop in a visit at www.creativemomentsbycary.blogspot.com.

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  91. My goals are to read through the Bible in a year and eat more whole/healthy food. And as always to be the wife, mother, sister, daughter that God has called me to be.

    I do enjoy cooking so a new cookbook would be a great addition to our home!

    Thank you for all of your encouraging words and God bless!

    Erica

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  92. A small thing and a not-so-small thing this year-- 1. Meal planning ahead of time instead of getting home in the evening, staring in the cabinets, and saying "What do you waaaaant?"
    2. Continue as a human-incubator for 5 more months so we can welcome our first wee one in May

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  93. I would love your cookbook.
    This year I too have a goal of getting to bed earlier, at a regular time. Second, I want to exercise at least three times a week; either walking, treadmill, or going steps. And third, write a letter or note to encourage one person each week. May God help us all be faithful in well-doing.
    Janet

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  94. Would love to win your cookbook. My plans are similar to yours.... get organized, declutter and spend intentional time with my 3 kids!

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  95. I recently viewed Forks Over Knives following a review here on your blog. I will now be focusing on a Plant based and whole foods diet. Thank you for the information regarding the documentary and the oppt. for the cookbook. I think you will have a difficult time just choosing three!!!
    I hope you included the White Bean Enchiladas! They won thumbs up all around here and I've got picky eaters. Love the blog.
    ERA

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  96. My goals for this new year is to take time. By that I mean, take time for myself and to enjoy what makes me happy, take time to be with my family, take time to enjoy nature and my pets. JKV

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  97. Hello, and happy 2013! This year I have two resolutions/goals:
    1) Read the entire Bible in one year (ideally spending about 15 minutes per day reading), and
    2) Learn to be STILL. I have a habit of thinking and planning ahead, which isn't bad in and of itself, except when it prohibits me from living in and appreciating the present. I want to savor the "now" and make time for walks, quiet prayer, and "unplugging" from the 289,308 electronic devices in my life, even if it's for a few minutes per day. :)

    Thanks!!
    - Mary Beth H.

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  98. How exciting!! I have too many goals to name but a big one is that I want to make better use of the food in our garden this year - which is why I will be getting your cookbook whether it be through winning or buying! Vicki

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  99. My husband and I are TTC our first child. This year will be all about eating healthy, staying fit, and organizing our home for a potential little one towards the end of the year!

    Hannah P.

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  100. My goal is like yours. Get to bed at a good hour! I stay up too late and the kids get me up too early, so I'm a grumpy mom. Plus, I need to get back on the meal planning wagon. -teekaroo

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  101. Thank you for your most helpful blog! I pray you all will know God's peace, provision, and health in 2013...

    I want to remind myself this new year that God is God, and I am not! I learned that Nancy Leigh DeMoss tries to get on her knees daily to remember that she is just the child and God is the Father. That doing so reminds us to have humility in all areas of our lives.
    Thanks for the opportunity to receive your wonderful cookbook!
    Lori R.
    Texas

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  102. I am changing by 1: exercising 3 times a week with my hubby; 2: setting goals for the year, complete with a timeline and steps for accomplishing them, and 3: printed out a calendar of a 52-week declutter challenge so I can do a little something most days.

    Kelly
    kel at
    cox dot
    net

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  103. My goal for 2013 is to live intentionally with no regrets. To spend quality time with those that I love, and let the "other stuff" go by the wayside. To live in a God-pleasing manner. Thank you for your beautiful blog! Amy in Texas

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  104. I enjoy reading your posts and appreciate you giving away three of your fabulous cookbooks. I have worked in publishing (textbooks: revise and revise again), so I know the frustration when the book is finally published and an error pops up! This new year I would like to live one day at a time and enjoy God's blessings which are all around and often missed.
    Cindy, Madrid, Spain

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  105. My goals for the year are to start practicing Portuguese with my husband regularly (he speaks pretty fluently, and I have been trying to since we were dating/engaged), start using sourdough, exercise, and using positive discipline with my children.

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  106. I would LOVE to win your cookbook!!
    My goals this year are: Praying more...., to be much more organized with meal planning (freezer/batch cooking), Praying more...., balancing chores with fun/family time, Praying more....
    :)

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  107. My goal for the year is simple - MORE FUN! Last year went by too fast, and too much time was spent on things that don't matter. This year I will be spontaneous, make time for friends, make fun plans for our family - big and small. It is going to be a great year!! Kim R.

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  108. My goal is to try to relax a little. I usually have so many things going on I forget to spend time for myself. Chela

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  109. I joined our church's sewing circle today and I want to make it to at least half of their gatherings. Could be interesting with 3 tykes underfoot :)

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  110. My goal is... No buying unless it is absolutely necessary! Getting debt free! Paula amishwoman49 at hotmail.com

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  111. My goals are to leave work at a reasonable hour every day, cook dinner each weeknight, and enjoy each day no matter what it throws my way. Happy New Year!

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  112. Don't worry about your mistakes. They prove that you are human!
    My goals for 2013 are to spend more time with God and to get my house more organized/less cluttered.

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  113. My plan is to be more organized!

    HOLLY A. E.

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  114. My goals for 2013 include more Bible study (hopefully read the Bible in a year), getting myself a little more organized, and start a prayer journal. I would also like to push myself to become a little more aware of the needs of others in my community and actually follow through with helping them.

    Ashley
    ashleymwren@yahoo.com

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  115. Annabel Lee says...Hi, I just started reading your blog. I come to you via Mavis's blog.
    I would love to win the cookbook. I have 3 cookbooks out and open on the table around
    me as we speak. I read them they way some people read novels. I especially like cookbooks
    full of family anecdotes and positive thoughts.

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  116. i am purposing to get down to business this year! i moved to nicaragua as a missionary 2 years ago.. spent the first year just taking it all in and getting in the swing of things.. the second year i spent pregnant and with a newborn.. i am really to really start getting things done and a system worked out. my husband surprised me with your cookbook for christmas and i would love to have another to give to another missionary family i know!

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  117. We have 6 kids, so I really need to get rid of some of the clutter in our house, and try to get things organized!

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  118. I want to get all my projects done Linda Parke lunylinda@hotail.com

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  119. Hi, I'm Cristie.
    In January I will be getting back off sugar (the withdrawl is killer) and then I plan on writing a page a day of my novel, starting in February.

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  120. I usually have several goals to work on throughout the year (we sit down and set individual and family goals together every January, but haven't yet) and I think one of my goals this year will be to read outside my comfort zone more. I'll have to set some sort of criteria...but that's the gist of the goal for my brain. :) Leah Mae

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  121. Since I found your site and purchased your cookbook I am planning a very busy year of canning and baking and looking forward to all of your posts.
    Happy New Year

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  122. One major goal of mine for this next year is to organize our office and the paperwork/mail that comes into our house. We moved into a new house this past summer and that's one area that we have turned a blind eye to and its really catching up to us! Time to get it fixed and finished and move on! -- Ali

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  123. You are so sweet. I love your goals. One of my this year is to spend a little more time for me, meditating, praying, exercising, even ejoying a hobby. I spent so much of last year making sure everyone else was taken care of and kind of neglected myself. I know it may sound selfish but we experienced losing a baby at 4.5 months pregnant early last year and I spent all year worrying about everyone else and how they were dealing and sort of forget to deal with everything myself. I am learning to have faith and that everything happens for a reason so 2013 is a fresh new year with new adventures to experience and I am ready!

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    Replies
    1. I am so very, very sorry for your loss, Heather. I commend you for making yourself and your healing a priority. May you feel God's peace and love as you do so!

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  124. Like you, I don't like resolutions. I set goals of limiting spending, making more productive use of my time and spending really good quality time with my family. I would love to convince myself to exercise, but since our treadmill bit the dust and it's only in the teens outside, I've extended myself a little grace to postpone exercising regularly until it's above freezing! Here's to a wonderful and productive 2013! Esther L. (lenahan at zoomtown dot com)

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  125. My goal is to try and get my scrapbooking and pictures organized and caught up! It's overwhelming but I am formulating a plan :)

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  126. I want to practice more random kindness and senseless acts of beauty.
    Beck

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Just a friendly reminder, if you know me personally please try to refrain from using my name. There are those who may try to locate me, break into my pantry and steal my pickled beets. Thanks:-).

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